Simple icon of rat

Rat Control Portland

Rat icon symbolizing rat control

Rats! Hearing noises in the walls?

Or seeing rodents outside? Ready to call an exterminator, but don’t want risky chemicals? Call us today.

roof rat on cobblestones

Roof rat in SE Portland

Portland Rat Control

Our rat control services focus on thorough inspections, finding and sealing rat entry points, and using environmentally safe extermination techniques when necessary.

Its no secret, Portland rats are widespread & abundant. Like other invasive species, left unchecked, Norway rats and roof rats can multiply out of control– And fast.  We may not like to think about it, but rat control is essential for human health and safety.

Google
Jon Daries profile picture
Jon Daries
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
I strongly recommend Keith for all your pest control needs. He's very responsive and good at explaining what he's going to do. We had a yellowjacket nest right in our front yard by the sidewalk—our mailman had decided he couldn't deliver mail anymore! Was really happy with how Keith dealt with the nest, and he even came by a week later for a second treatment after we saw a few survivors. I chose Keith because he is IPM certified, and I'm very happy with my choice.
Google
Amber V profile picture
Amber V
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Keith was so nice, professional and best of all cares deeply about the environment and avoiding toxic chemicals. The treatment was quick effective and did the trick within days. I have already recommended him to several friends and will definitely call again! Thanks Keith!
Google
Camila profile picture
Camila
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
We had a great experience with Keith at Pest & Pollinator. We needed a raccoon latrine removed, and Keith made the whole process straightforward from start to finish. He was easy to communicate with over text, quick to coordinate, and managed to fit us into his schedule. He clearly explained his process, and took the time to answer our questions. He thoroughly removed the latrine and even applied a free deterrent to keep them from returning. The issue is completely resolved and the raccoons haven't been back. Keith is reliable, professional, and provides excellent service. I’d highly recommend him for any pest or wildlife needs.
Google
TM profile picture
TM
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
So happy we found Keith and his integrated approach to dealing with pests. We’d been dealing with sugar ants for weeks and wanted them gone – but didn’t want to kill all the other creepy crawlers because we’re trying to get our Backyard Habitat Certification. The good news: Keith’s company is approved to work with yards going through the program. Keith speaks fluent ant – understanding their behaviors and possessing the uncanny ability to quickly locate their colonies. We really appreciated how thorough he was – explaining what he was doing every step of the way. Since Keith came out, we’ve been ant free ever since.
Google
Vessal Zarghami profile picture
Vessal Zarghami
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
We had a huge inground bee nest with over 200 plus bees right next to our pool. We were having a party and needed to have them gone asap! Keith came in super short notice had them all gone within a half an hour! Super easy to work with and great guy!
Google
Lee Willeford profile picture
Lee Willeford
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Keith did is incredibly thorough and conscientious. He took his time listening to issues and assessing the situation before suggesting a course of action. He properly set expectations by making us aware of the lead time necessary to see meaningful results and he was spot on. Moreover, he made it clear our level of ant traffic would probably require a second pass in a few weeks and that he would come back out for free if the problem wasn't 100% resolved. Sure enough, we had a one particularly resilient corner of our house after a few weeks. When Keith proactively circled back, we gave him the update and he was back at our house a couple of days later at no charge. We are ant free and very satisfied. (Thanks Keith!)
Google
Terry MacDonald profile picture
Terry MacDonald
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
I got a good assessment of the extent of a raccoon presence, confirming it didn't extend to crawl space, and was able to evict and seal. They're still around, great, but no crash pad at my house!
Google
Mialka Bonadonna profile picture
Mialka Bonadonna
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Pest & Pollinator is great! Exterminator Keith is unlike any exterminator that I have ever met and he helped me with a developing carpenter ant issue. Keith is very professional, tactful and discriminating, and cares about the environment. He didn't just trample through my house blasting poison everywhere like every other exterminator I've ever met. Keith listened to my goals like not stressing or harming my dogs during the process, not putting toxic stuff in my home, and definitely not killing insects indiscriminately because I recognize how important it is to protect declining insect populations. He spent time carefully inspecting my house and yard (even pulled out a ladder and looked at my roof), taught me about carpenter ant behavior and environmental modifications that deter without poison, and showed me things about my house that I never noticed. I forgot what he put down to stop my carpenter ant problem, but he used very little and very judiciously. Within two days, the ants were gone. I am always so grossed out by extermination companies that brag about killing animal and insects. I really felt that Keith respects and cares for animal like and the environment while also recognizing that we sometimes need insects to not harm us. I can't recommend Pest & Pollinator enough.
Google
Ryan Meng profile picture
Ryan Meng
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Keith did an incredible job helping us manage problematic ants on our property. Keith was quick to meet with us and provided an explanation the entire way about his process. He successfully dealt with the ants using products and measures that were safe for both humans and animals. Approaching 2 months ant free! Would highly recommend Keith and Pest & Pollinator!!
Google
Cyborg Goat profile picture
Cyborg Goat
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Keith is the best. He thoughtfully and thoroughly took care to diagnose the issue and designed a treatment that fit the situation. Pest and Pollinator will not try to upsell or bind you in a contract like its competitors. Keith also understood and respected why I wanted to keep the spiders around the property. That meant a lot. Overall, Pest and Pollinator is amazing. Choose them.
Pest & Pollinator LLC Integrated Pest Management logo
Green Shield Certified logo with slogan "Pest control. Peace of mind."
white shield icon with check mark next to house icon

Eco Friendly Rat Control

At first, a daytime rat sighting might be a novel moment of wildlife watching. But if you’re seeing rats in the backyard during the day, it’s best to be proactive to prevent rats from reproducing out of control and causing damage. We create custom Integrated Pest Management strategies for rats around your home, designed for safety for people, pets, and wildlife.

Question mark icon symbolizing unknown animal pest control

Rat Control FAQs

What diseases do rats carry?

According to the CDC, rats can carry & transmit hantavirus (roof rats), hemorrhagic fever with renal symptoms, leptospirosis, tuleremia, bartonella, plague, salmonella and other diseases.

We seldom think about rat bourn illness. But for many with aging or unsecure homes, this could be a serious issue if not for professional rodent control services.

Rat running along water at night

Will Rats Just Go Away?

Unfortunately, probably not. Rats are both a political & ecological issue. Their foraging range is about 3 city blocks. If rats find a consistent food source within that area, each rat is capable of multiplying by 10 every two months.

Many experience this firsthand. Unsecured trash, dumpsters, chicken coops, squirrel feeders, bird food, fruit trees, compost, and even grass seed and earthworms can sustain large colonies of rats that become difficult to trap as they learn over time. 

Best Bait For Rat Traps?

The best bait for rat traps is usually nut butters & seed pastes. Nuts and seeds have the perfect blend of carbs, fats & proteins that rats crave. And spreads like peanut butter & sunflower butter are long-lasting & have a pasty consistency that is convenient for applying to the traps.

If peanut butter isn’t working, assume the rats associate the smell with a previous dangerous experience. Get creative and use something else with lots of carbs, protein and fat like bacon, chicken, candy, chips, jelly or jam.

Can Rats Climb Walls?

Yes, rats can scale 90 degrees up wood, concrete, vinyl, and any other walls with a textured surface. They have ice-pick sharp claws that allow them to climb vertical surfaces (just like a squirrel does).

Since rodents can climb over fences & walls (and also burrow underneath), that’s partly why it’s so difficult to keep rats out of your garden & yard.

Rodent Control Portland   

Peppermint Oil for Rats?

Peppermint oil contains menthol other volatile organic chemicals that can be irritating to mammals’ respiratory systems, skin or eyes if exposed to high concentrations.

When using peppermint oil to deter rats:

  • Always make sure you have closed up the entire house except 1 entry point.
  • Place your peppermint oil repellent (1-2 drops on a paper towel) into attics, crawlspaces, garages, or stuff into the 1 remaining entry point.
  • Seal the remaining entry point when the activity ceases.
  • Always use extreme caution with peppermint oil rat repellents to ensure you do not end up harming yourself or others.

Best Way to Get Rid of Rats

The best way to get rid of rats is to remove any attractive foods & hiding places possible. Inspect your foundation, vents, eaves, dormers & gutters every 6 months for entry points and seal any openings greater than 1/4″ with sturdy metal materials.

Beware that bird feeders can attract rats, and that homes with earthen crawlspaces are highly susceptible to invasion from burrowing Norway rats.

If you don’t have any food or hiding places for rats outside, or tried to control rats with unsatisfactory results, give us a call. 

We have the experience, equipment and excellent service you need to identify rodent entry points, get them sealed, and leave you with a plan for long-term success.

Pest & Pollinator LLC is committed to our mission of helping the Portland OR community solve pest problems while reducing pesticides and protecting biodiversity.

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Integrated Pest Management icon showing various pests icons around the IPM triangle diagram
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Upgrade the Safety of your Current Pest Program

Want to feel more confident about the safety of your pest service? Call us today.

Green Shield Certified logo with slogan "Pest control. Peace of mind."

Friendliest in the Northwest.

We're Oregon's–and the PNW's–only Green Shield Certified pest control company by the IPM Institute of North America. We're committed to our mission to protect your health, safety and sustainability. You can feel confident when choosing Pest & Pollinator that we're protecting your family, pets, and planet better.

Get in touch today.

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Now Accepting Happy Customers

Learn what our customers love about Pest & Pollinator:

Google
Jon Daries profile picture
Jon Daries
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
I strongly recommend Keith for all your pest control needs. He's very responsive and good at explaining what he's going to do. We had a yellowjacket nest right in our front yard by the sidewalk—our mailman had decided he couldn't deliver mail anymore! Was really happy with how Keith dealt with the nest, and he even came by a week later for a second treatment after we saw a few survivors. I chose Keith because he is IPM certified, and I'm very happy with my choice.
Google
Amber V profile picture
Amber V
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Keith was so nice, professional and best of all cares deeply about the environment and avoiding toxic chemicals. The treatment was quick effective and did the trick within days. I have already recommended him to several friends and will definitely call again! Thanks Keith!
Google
Camila profile picture
Camila
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
We had a great experience with Keith at Pest & Pollinator. We needed a raccoon latrine removed, and Keith made the whole process straightforward from start to finish. He was easy to communicate with over text, quick to coordinate, and managed to fit us into his schedule. He clearly explained his process, and took the time to answer our questions. He thoroughly removed the latrine and even applied a free deterrent to keep them from returning. The issue is completely resolved and the raccoons haven't been back. Keith is reliable, professional, and provides excellent service. I’d highly recommend him for any pest or wildlife needs.
Google
TM profile picture
TM
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
So happy we found Keith and his integrated approach to dealing with pests. We’d been dealing with sugar ants for weeks and wanted them gone – but didn’t want to kill all the other creepy crawlers because we’re trying to get our Backyard Habitat Certification. The good news: Keith’s company is approved to work with yards going through the program. Keith speaks fluent ant – understanding their behaviors and possessing the uncanny ability to quickly locate their colonies. We really appreciated how thorough he was – explaining what he was doing every step of the way. Since Keith came out, we’ve been ant free ever since.
Google
Vessal Zarghami profile picture
Vessal Zarghami
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
We had a huge inground bee nest with over 200 plus bees right next to our pool. We were having a party and needed to have them gone asap! Keith came in super short notice had them all gone within a half an hour! Super easy to work with and great guy!
Google
Lee Willeford profile picture
Lee Willeford
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Keith did is incredibly thorough and conscientious. He took his time listening to issues and assessing the situation before suggesting a course of action. He properly set expectations by making us aware of the lead time necessary to see meaningful results and he was spot on. Moreover, he made it clear our level of ant traffic would probably require a second pass in a few weeks and that he would come back out for free if the problem wasn't 100% resolved. Sure enough, we had a one particularly resilient corner of our house after a few weeks. When Keith proactively circled back, we gave him the update and he was back at our house a couple of days later at no charge. We are ant free and very satisfied. (Thanks Keith!)
Google
Terry MacDonald profile picture
Terry MacDonald
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
I got a good assessment of the extent of a raccoon presence, confirming it didn't extend to crawl space, and was able to evict and seal. They're still around, great, but no crash pad at my house!
Google
Mialka Bonadonna profile picture
Mialka Bonadonna
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Pest & Pollinator is great! Exterminator Keith is unlike any exterminator that I have ever met and he helped me with a developing carpenter ant issue. Keith is very professional, tactful and discriminating, and cares about the environment. He didn't just trample through my house blasting poison everywhere like every other exterminator I've ever met. Keith listened to my goals like not stressing or harming my dogs during the process, not putting toxic stuff in my home, and definitely not killing insects indiscriminately because I recognize how important it is to protect declining insect populations. He spent time carefully inspecting my house and yard (even pulled out a ladder and looked at my roof), taught me about carpenter ant behavior and environmental modifications that deter without poison, and showed me things about my house that I never noticed. I forgot what he put down to stop my carpenter ant problem, but he used very little and very judiciously. Within two days, the ants were gone. I am always so grossed out by extermination companies that brag about killing animal and insects. I really felt that Keith respects and cares for animal like and the environment while also recognizing that we sometimes need insects to not harm us. I can't recommend Pest & Pollinator enough.
Google
Ryan Meng profile picture
Ryan Meng
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Keith did an incredible job helping us manage problematic ants on our property. Keith was quick to meet with us and provided an explanation the entire way about his process. He successfully dealt with the ants using products and measures that were safe for both humans and animals. Approaching 2 months ant free! Would highly recommend Keith and Pest & Pollinator!!
Google
Cyborg Goat profile picture
Cyborg Goat
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Keith is the best. He thoughtfully and thoroughly took care to diagnose the issue and designed a treatment that fit the situation. Pest and Pollinator will not try to upsell or bind you in a contract like its competitors. Keith also understood and respected why I wanted to keep the spiders around the property. That meant a lot. Overall, Pest and Pollinator is amazing. Choose them.